'He is sure that Tendulkar will get to his century soon'

It seems the master batsman himself is feeling the pressure of the milestone. He met coach Achrekar before leaving for Australia last month in the hope that his blessings would work magic for him.

"Tendulkar invited my father [Achrekar] to his residence. He wanted to seek his blessings before the tough tour of Australia.

"He is sure that Tendulkar will get to his century soon; maybe, in the next match itself," Kalpana added.

Tendulkar's next opportunity will come in the third Test against Australia, starting at Perth on January 13. And, like his countless fans worldwide, even Achrekar is hoping he will give him some reason to celebrate with a match-winning century.